How to Avoid Counterfeit Plumbing Tools in the Market?

The counterfeit market is growing with each passing day, owing to some dishonest people. It has infiltrated the plumbing industry as well, with counterfeit tools available here and there.

Counterfeit plumbing tools have become common in the USA. They are being manufactured overseas and entering the American market thereafter. These tools contain a dangerous level of lead and various chemical contaminants.

The main risks associated with using counterfeit plumbing tools are safety hazards, poor performance, and reputational damage. Hence, you must maintain authenticity in the plumbing tools list. But wondering how to identify counterfeit tools? Give this blog a read! 

Common Counterfeited Plumbing Tools in the USA

Here are some of the common counterfeited tools for plumbing.

• Hand Tools: Hand tools are used in drain cleaning, pipe repairing, etc. The main counterfeited hand tools that you may get are cutters, pliers, pipe wrenches, etc. 
  
• Power Tools: In plumbing, power tools are used in cutting pipes, making connections, and installing fixtures. Pipe threading machines and cordless press tools are widely circulated in the counterfeit market. 
  
• Consumables: Here, the most counterfeited tools are thread sealants, gaskets, and fittings. 

But what risks do counterfeit tools pose? Take a look at the table below:

Table 1: Counterfeit Plumbing Tools and Risks of Fake Versions

Spotting a Counterfeit Plumbing Tool 

While buying basic plumbing tools, you must ensure that they are authentic. Here are the top red flags to consider:

• No Serial Number: Every plumbing tool kit has a particular serial number. If it is missing, then the item is likely a counterfeit product.
  
• Poor Build Quality: Counterfeit plumbing tools are of poor quality. Check if the plumbing tool you are buying has a sturdy build. 
  
• Suspicious Deals: Are you getting an attractive deal in branded plumbing tools? Isn’t it suspicious? There is a high chance of counterfeiting here!
  
• Packaging Discrepancies: A duplicate plumbing tool can possess a packaging discrepancy. This comes in low-quality printing, the absence of barcodes, or wrong spellings. 

What Are the Dangers of Using Counterfeit Plumbing Tools?

Checking authenticity is important while buying new plumbing tools. This is because using counterfeit tools comes with various risks. These are:

• Workplace Accidents: Using duplicate tools accounts for injuries, rather serious ones at that. For example, using a duplicate pipe cutter runs a higher risk of your hands getting cut. 
  
• Failed Inspection: A plumber is responsible for inspecting the sewage system correctly. You need specialty plumbing tools for this, like inspection cameras, smoke testing kits, etc. But if counterfeit, these advanced tools will not function as expected. 
  
• Property Damage: If you mistakenly use substandard materials in plumbing inspection, there is a high chance that you are causing damage to the property. Like, using a faulty product during a drain or pipe inspection tool can damage the line. 
  
• High Repair Cost: If you have fallen prey to buying counterfeit tools at low prices, chances are that you will have to invest in the same set of tools again soon. This is because these products are not going to be long-lasting. 

Verifying Authentic Plumbing Tools

To avoid counterfeit plumbing tools, plumbers need to know how to verify authentic tools. Here are some of the key ways:

1. Buying Only from Authorized Wholesale Suppliers

While buying tools for plumbing, always rely on authorized dealers. This is highly recommended for beginners who might fail to identify duplicate products. Check customer reviews before choosing the dealer.

2. Cross-checking Serial Number

If a plumbing tool comes without a serial number, then it is a counterfeit one. To ensure authenticity, you need to cross-check the serial number of a tool from the manufacturer’s website. This ensures that the equipment is authentic. 

3. Using Official Apps or Websites 

Do you buy plumbing tools from any random site? If yes, then there is a high chance of getting faulty items. Always buy from authorized online sites. You can trust the website of the company to buy from.

4. Acknowledgment Certificates of Authenticity 

Are you planning a bulk purchase? Well, authenticity highly matters in this case. Here, you need to obtain certificates of authenticity. But how do you check the authenticity? Take a look at the table below:

Table 2: Steps for Checking a Plumbing Tool’s Warranty

Buying Authentic Plumbing Tools in the USA

Even though counterfeiting has spread widely in the last few years, simple measures of caution can keep you from wasting your money. You just have to be knowledgeable about buying authentic tools. Here are some of the tips that you need to keep in mind:

• Always rely on renowned plumbing equipment suppliers
  
• Check the verified resellers of major tool brands
  
• Avoid third-party sellers 
  

What to Do after Mistakenly Purchasing Counterfeit Tools?

The plumbing tools, even after exercising caution, have turned out to be counterfeit. What do you do?

• Immediate Stopping of the Tool’s Usage: Suppose you are using a pipe wrench, and you find that it is a duplicate. The first thing you need to do is to stop using it. Go for quick replacement, and this time ensure that you are purchasing an authentic tool. 
  
• Reporting to the Manufacturer: Spotted a counterfeit product? Report to the seller you have purchased it from! The majority of the brands offer proper channels for it. If the tools in the plumbing tool kit are within the warranty period, you can get free servicing or a replacement.

Conclusion

Counterfeit plumbing tools are unfortunately everywhere, and plumbers are often falling prey to buying these. Not only is their work getting hampered, but they are also at a higher risk of injuring themselves. One of the surest ways to avoid this is to rely on authentic platforms for buying plumbing tools. Exercise all measures, and you will surely have a toolkit containing authentic plumbing tools.

Ready to Avoid Counterfeit Plumbing Tools

Are you planning to buy any plumbing tools? Don’t fall for any trap. Buying counterfeit products brings reputational damage, alongside offering poor results. We are a reputable plumbing equipment provider in the USA. Try our products and maintain authenticity in your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I Need to Check Authenticity While Buying Plumbing Tools From Top Brands?

If you are buying a product from the website of a reputable brand, you will be assured of authenticity. There always remains a chance of counterfeiting if you are buying from local shops. They might use the name of a brand while selling tools. 

2. Do Authentic Plumbing Tools Comply With Industry Standards?

Yes, authentic products ensure compliance with local regulations. This is important in professional projects. 

3. Is It Unprofessional to Buy Counterfeit Products?

There are dishonest plumbers who may prefer buying duplicate tools because they are available at lower prices. However, this is an unethical practice for a professional because you are not doing justice to the clients and to your work. 

4. Can I Get Into Legal Trouble if I Use Counterfeit Plumbing Tools?

Yes, this is because counterfeit products do not comply with legal standards. Moreover, your client can also complain if you cause any damage to the property while using faulty equipment.